Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Become a Member

Get access to more than 30 brands, premium video, exclusive content, events, mapping, and more.

Already have an account? Sign In

Brands

Swim

Find The Right Swim Paddles For You

There’s a plethora of paddles on the market, each with a different purpose. Here are a few.

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.


There’s a plethora of paddles on the market, each with a different purpose. Here are a few.

Strokemakers Paddles

Purpose: Build swim-specific strength and improve your feel for the water.
Review: Strokemakers was the original, and the basic design still gets the job done.
Sizing: 7 options. Start with ones slightly larger than your hand.
Buy them: $14-20, Swimoutlet.com

RELATED – Coach Debate: How Often Should Swim Tools Be Used?

Finis PT Paddles

Purpose: Concave shape takes away hand strength, forcing you to use your full arm to move forward.
Review: Comfortable, easy to use. Feels similar to doing a fist drill.
Sizing: One size
Buy them: $29.99, Finisinc.com

RELATED: 11 Tips On Becoming A Fearless Swimmer

TYR Catalyst Brites

Purpose: Build upper body strength, improve technique.
Review: Seemed huge at first but made for a good, tough workout.
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Buy them: $17.50, Tyr.com

RELATED: How To Choose The Right Masters Lane

TYR Catch Paddles

Purpose: Over-exaggerates catch, encourages proper hand position
Review: Felt initially awkward but promoted a greater awareness of hands “catching” the water.
Sizes: XS-LG
Buy them: $15.50, Tyr.com

RELATED: Understanding The Masters Swim Session

Finis Freestyler Paddles

Purpose: Helps improve reach and distance-per-stroke with shoulder-friendly narrow shape.
Review: Less resistance than Strokemakers (they’re smaller); forces a long stroke.
Sizes: Junior or senior
Buy them: $19.99, Finisinc.com

RELATED: How To Analyze Your Own Swim Stroke

Video: 4X World Champion Mirinda Carfrae Makes Her Picks for 70.3 Chattanooga

Carfrae and former pro Patrick Mckeon break down the iconic course in Chattanooga, who looks good for the pro women's race, and their predictions for how the day will play out.